The Career & Technical Education program in Durham Public Schools serves students in grades 6-12 by providing career exploration and development through courses in the following career clusters:

  • Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

  • Architecture and Construction

  • Arts, A/V Technology and Communications

  • Business Management and Administration

  • Finance

  • Health Science

  • Hospitality and Tourism

  • Human Services

  • Information Technology

  • Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

  • Marketing

  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

  • Transportation, Distribution and Logistics

In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in work-based learning experiences through the 3-2-1 Future Ready Initiative.  

3-2-1 Future Ready Initiative

3-2-1 Future Ready Initiative (Awareness, exposure and experience)

All DPS high school students will have a minimum of three career awareness and two career exposure activities, plus one job, internship or other career experience, by the time they graduate. This will help ensure students graduate "future ready" - with the knowledge and skills to be on track for the rewarding career path of their choice. Local employers provide the work-based learning experiences, bridging the "skills gap" and developing their pipeline of desperately needed talent. Learn more about 3-2-1 Future Ready.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an integral part of the comprehensive secondary school program in Durham Public Schools. Durham Public Schools offers a comprehensive Career and Technical Education program for students in middle and high schools. Courses are offered in Agricultural Education; Business, Finance, and Information Technology Education; Career Development Education; Family and Consumer Sciences Education; Health Science Education; Marketing and Entrepreneurship Education; Technology, Engineering and Design Education; and Trade and Industrial Education. To ensure all students have access to CTE and are successful, Career Development and Special Populations support services are also available. All programs may not be offered at each middle and high school.

In compliance with federal law, Durham Public Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability. Inquiries or concerns related to discrimination policies should be addressed to Dr. Deborah Pitman, Assistant Superintendent of Specialized Services, 511 Cleveland Street, Durham NC, 27702, (919) 560-2000.